The road trip crew: Zach, Myself, Jenny, & Jason
Like all good adventures, this one came together last minute. I had wanted to get out to the Canyon this spring and until last week didn't have anyone to go with. Then I got a message from Jason asking if I was still planning to head out that way and it all fell into place from there. I hitched a ride down to meet them in Golden on Thursday afternoon, Camped in Moab that night, and was standing on the Canyon rim by Friday. Primed and ready for my 3rd double crossing!
Just for fun, I decided to see if I could get close to the 3 hr mark on the first crossing going south to north. I have been putting in a few big weeks both in miles and vert so I knew I wasn't going to feel fresh, but this is was just another big training run and why not make it a solid effort.
Just for fun, I decided to see if I could get close to the 3 hr mark on the first crossing going south to north. I have been putting in a few big weeks both in miles and vert so I knew I wasn't going to feel fresh, but this is was just another big training run and why not make it a solid effort.
A mix of clouds and sun kept the temperature in check during the run.
The air was crisp as I unzipped my sleeping bag and opened my tent. The early morning glow at 6:00 AM and cold shoes that go along with springtime adventures were all I needed to feel awake and excited for a fun day ahead. We quickly warmed up as 6 of us squeezed tightly into a small car and drove to the trailhead. Within a few minutes we were quickly descending down the switchbacks and into the warmer canyon air. After just 10 minutes I was alone with my music, focusing on my footing and enjoying the ease of the descent while thinking about the climbs and views ahead.
Somewhere below Skeleton Point and just past half way down I caught up to the mule train. Luckily I only had to walk behind them for about 30 seconds before they let me pass. A few minutes later I was getting my first views of the mighty Colorado river and soon after that I was crossing it (0:45). Right on pace. After a quick water stop at Phantom Ranch (0:51) to fill my bottle I was on my way again. The gradual climb up to Cottonwood campground went by fairly quick and although I forget my split through there, I knew I was still close to 3 hour pace. Having run this a couple times already I began preparing myself for the grinding climb to the north rim. Soon I was at the Residence where I would fill my bottle one last time before the final push.
Somewhere below Skeleton Point and just past half way down I caught up to the mule train. Luckily I only had to walk behind them for about 30 seconds before they let me pass. A few minutes later I was getting my first views of the mighty Colorado river and soon after that I was crossing it (0:45). Right on pace. After a quick water stop at Phantom Ranch (0:51) to fill my bottle I was on my way again. The gradual climb up to Cottonwood campground went by fairly quick and although I forget my split through there, I knew I was still close to 3 hour pace. Having run this a couple times already I began preparing myself for the grinding climb to the north rim. Soon I was at the Residence where I would fill my bottle one last time before the final push.
Outrunning the storm which hit the upper North Kaibab trail.
Over the remaining 4+ miles to the top the trail gets gradually steeper and with my GPS watch losing its signal multiple times I no longer had an exact gauge on the distance. I knew I was getting close when I could see the trees near the north rim and some patches of snow remaining in the shady corners of the trail. It became a race against my watch as I began to approach the 3 hour mark. In a last ditch effort to make my goal time I tossed my water bottle aside and dug in to grind out the final climb. My watch hit 2:58 as I passed Jenny who had started a few hrs before us, and she informed me that she was 4 minutes down from the rim. That was a bit demoralizing. Knowing that I had no chance to break 3 hrs I eased up the pace slightly and when I reached the north rim my watch read 3:02:34. So close!
Oh well, I put in a solid effort and know that I can easily get it next time. I had no intention of going hard on the return trip so I took a few minutes to enjoy the cool air and talk to some other runners who were making the trek. On the way back I stopped ant talked to the rest of the group as we cross paths and also to some random hikers along the way. The Grand Canyon is such an amazing place and I made sure to take it all in yet again. A photo here, stopping to admire the view there, all mixed in with some more running and hiking. Eventually I made it back to the south rim with a total time (including stops) of 7:57.
Oh well, I put in a solid effort and know that I can easily get it next time. I had no intention of going hard on the return trip so I took a few minutes to enjoy the cool air and talk to some other runners who were making the trek. On the way back I stopped ant talked to the rest of the group as we cross paths and also to some random hikers along the way. The Grand Canyon is such an amazing place and I made sure to take it all in yet again. A photo here, stopping to admire the view there, all mixed in with some more running and hiking. Eventually I made it back to the south rim with a total time (including stops) of 7:57.
Enjoying the views and testing out my AK vest Sunday morning. (Used just a handheld for the actual run)
Overall it was a great weekend of camping and running. Sunday morning I got out for a short shake out and felt surprisingly good. It was a bluebird day and I really didn't want to leave. Sitting in a car for 12 hours somehow didn't sound too appealing... Who knows what the rest of the year will bring and if I will be able to get back to the Big Ditch for an actual go at a fast time. If not this year then next. This was my 3rd year in a row running R2R2R, so I'm going to have to keep my streak alive.
Gear: Altra Torin's, 14 VFuel gels, UD Essential Belt & Jurrek Grip handheld
Splits: River (0:45), Phantom (0:51), Cottonwood (?:??), Residence (?:??), North Rim: 3:02:34
Gear: Altra Torin's, 14 VFuel gels, UD Essential Belt & Jurrek Grip handheld
Splits: River (0:45), Phantom (0:51), Cottonwood (?:??), Residence (?:??), North Rim: 3:02:34
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